Any tour of Italy's cities of art must start from Palermo, which has recently been reborn in all its glory, and is the ideal destination for any incentive or conference organiser.

In its turbulent past, Palermo has been occupied by rulers from the Romans to the Bourbons, and this is evident in the city's rich artistic heritage. Learn about ancient history at the Museo Regionale Archeologico, and discover the legacy of the Arabs at the Palazzo dei Normanni. You can see Byzantine mosaics at the Chiesa della Martorana, while a stroll through the streets reveals buildings in baroque and Art Nouveau style.

These are today part of a city regeneration project which began in 1993, and whose projects include the magnificent Spasimo complex, used for cultural exhibitions, music and theatre, and the 19th-century Teatro Massimo. But Palermo would not have become the living city of art it is today without the help of its citizens, who have opened restaurants and entertainment venues in the city, as well as the 300 owners of historic buildings, including some of Italy's oldest aristocratic families, who have opened their magnificent homes to the public. Some of these mansions play host to exclusive tour groups and small incentive parties

Guests are personally welcomed to the Palazzo Conte Federico, which is open for guided tours but also serves daytime and evening meals, and dinner parties can also be held at the Palazzo Alliata di Pietratagliata. Noisy and picturesque, Palermo's markets are not to be missed, and here you can sample the intense flavours of the city's cuisine. Local specialities can be found everywhere, including delicious pastries made with ricotta and almond paste. It is also a good opportunity to buy crafts from local artisans: for beautiful terracotta reproductions of city monuments go to Cittàcotte di Vizzari, or try Il Mondo degli Angeli for cherubs and putti made in papier-mâché.